State Taxes

California is 35th among the states in tax burden--in the bottom third. Now, with an even greater state budget deficit looming, the governor indicates there will still be no new taxes (Dec. 27). Instead, services will be cut even further.

The issue of business climate in California is not merely a tax issue. It also includes how well we maintain services (fire, police, health), infrastructure (roads, water systems, parks, sewers), and education (schools, community colleges, universities). What business will locate in California if its executives and workers are unsafe in their homes because of closed fire stations and reduced police forces? Why would they move here if their children face overcrowded schools and universities with closed classes?

It is time for the governor to stop pinching pennies and recognize that both the state budget and local budgets (which depend on state funds) have been cut too far. The economy of California is suffering--not from taxes that are too high but from revenues that are too low.

DAVID E. ROSS

Agoura